What is Bee Friendly Farming?
Nationally more than 43,100 hectares of farmland is certified as Bee Friendly Farming. These farms are spread across five states and include almonds, macadamias, avocados, apples, vegetables, flowers, wine, grazing, dairy, pigs, cropping and mixed farms. To find out more about Bee Friendly Farming click here .
AUSTRALIA'S most south-eastern almond orchard is now Bee Friendly Farming certified. GO.FARM obtained the certification for Sandmount Farms near Shepparton, Victoria, in December.
The program works with land managers to help protect, preserve and promote pollinator health for both honeybee and native bee populations.
The Almond Board of Australia and Bee Friendly Farming Australia have been partners since 2022.
GO.FARM’s Horticulture Manager Ben Hayward explains why his company participated in the accreditation process.
Q. What prompted GO.FARM to become Bee Friendly Farming certified?
GO.FARM pursued Bee Friendly Farming certification as a natural extension of our commitment to Responsible Agriculture, reinforcing our focus on preserving and enhancing the environment as a core pillar of our operations.
The requirements of the certification promote pollination efficiency, support biodiversity, reduce chemical reliance, lower pollination costs, and provide access to expert knowledge for developing pollinator-friendly ecosystems.
With GO.FARM Chairman Rob Costa serving as a Director of the Wheen Bee Foundation, as well as being a passionate advocate for Bee Friendly Farming in Australia, achieving the certification aligns with our shared values and promotes long-term sustainability in horticulture.
Q. How much work was involved in completing the accreditation process?
The accreditation process required minimal effort, as our existing farming practices were already closely aligned with the certification requirements.
The application itself was straightforward and involved providing evidence, such as photos and descriptions of our activities.
For growers considering this certification, strong foundations in biodiversity and responsible land management can make the process straightforward.
Q. What are some of the things that are done at Sandmount Farms to protect, preserve, and promote the health of all pollinators?
At GO.FARM’s Sandmount Farms, we maintain undisturbed habitats, provide fresh water, and incorporate native plants and cover crops to support pollinator species.
Our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, overseen by both internal and external experts, minimises environmental impact while safeguarding crops.
All chemical applications are handled by certified team members trained in best-practice management. When bees are onsite, we take extra care to protect them by avoiding pesticide sprays near hives, monitoring for stress, and maintaining an undisturbed environment.
THE Love Almonds cycling team is in training for the Murray to Moyne charity bike ride.
The event is a 520km cycle relay from Mildura to Port Fairy to be held on April 5 and 6.
The ABA team raises funds for hospitals in the almond growing regions through its partnership with Heartbeat Sunraysia.
A team of 20 cyclists and four support crew are taking on the challenge in 2025, with several past participants returning to again take on the challenge.
The riders are split into four groups and take it in turns riding four 30km legs to Hamilton on the Saturday.
On the second day riders choose how much of the 90km distance to Port Fairy they want to complete with the strongest riders tackling the full distance.
The riders will be hoping for kinder weather conditions this year after enduring rain and strong headwinds in 2024.
Last year, the Riverland General Hospital’s maternity division was presented with a noninvasive jaundice meter and two mobile Sp02 monitors, valued at $10,000.
Major donations for this fundraising effort have been made by CMV, ABA, Dulux and Weiss McNair.
While in past years Select Harvests and Weiss McNair have supplied vehicles and support crew for the ride.
Anyone wanting to support the team can make a donation online here.